PROGRAM SYLLABUS (Download as PDF file)
1. INTRODUCTION AND PREVIEW OF UPCOMING 8 WEEKS: 3 hours
In this session, you will begin the process of getting to know your fellow group members.
We will review the curriculum and we will establish the "Rules of the Road" that will smooth out
the speed bumps for your upcoming journey. You will discuss and record your expectations regarding the
Owl Project. The aim for this first morning is to orientate you to your new surroundings for the next 8
weeks and to give you an opportunity to freely interact with the group in an environment of openness
and trust.
2. PARADIGM SHIFTS IN THE WORKPLACE: 3 hours
This session examines the eight most important paradigm shifts that have evolved within the last 20 years
and how these changes impact the new culture of work. It explores the recent change in attitudes and expectations
in today's workplace. This preparation will be very valuable as you transition into the current labour force.
3. MY REALISTIC OCCUPATIONAL GOALS 9 hours
One of the most important goals of your participation in the OWL Project is to establish your occupational goals.
This module gives you an opportunity for self-exploration. You are encouraged to identify and prioritize your strong
transferable skills. This will form the foundation for the type of job you will focus on when conducting your job search.
This session develops focus on many important issues you need to address so you can give clarity to your direction- values,
interests, motivation etc. When you complete this module you will be much better prepared to move forward with realistic
expectations.
4. ATTITUDES TOWARD AGING: 3 hours
This session is designed to help you overcome the barriers associated with aging and employment. The relationship between
self-esteem, confidence, self worth and work are explored. Concepts of the Age Advantage program are introduced to the group to
create awareness of the many attributes and advantages mature workers possess.
5. FIT FOR LIFE/FIT FOR WORK: 3 hours
This module is presented by a licensed chiropractor and is designed to give you information on how to live a healthy life now
and in the future. Five strategies to healthy living will be covered in addition to proper ergonomics (workplace set-up); proper
lifting techniques a program that can give you the start you may need to begin an exercise program. This session is very interactive
and will give you the tools you need to be Fit for Life and Fit for Work.
6. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS: 3 hours
This session will explore the basic hardware components of a computer as well
as the common computer terminology required in today's world.
7. PERSONALITY DIMENSIONS: 6 hours
This workshop identifies four temperaments and how each influences employment.
You will identify your personality traits and values leading to a better
understanding of yourself as a worker and a team player.
8. The Joy of JOURNALING: : 3 hours
Also referred to as "Benefit Writing", this session will assist you
in documenting your journey toward employment as well as life's road.
9. WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (WHMIS): 3 hours
This session is designed to explore various health hazards, appropriate symbols
and categories of toxic chemicals and how to handle and store them properly
in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on public and employment related regulations
and ordinances, enhancing your awareness of toxic chemicals and what to do
in case of emergency. A certificate is provided upon completion.
10. PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT: 36 hours
This module requires reflection and analysis. The very act of portfolio development brings clarity to your career direction.
It is a process that will help you identify, organize and describe your past learning accomplishments illustrating the link
between home, school and community. This can result in increased self-esteem and can be used as a platform for career change
decision making. Keeping track of where you have already been will help you get to where you are going next!
11. JOB SEARCH: 36 hours
This is where all the work of the previous weeks comes together. You are introduced to a full week of intensive job search
techniques including resume and cover letter writing, job card preparation and marketing strategy. You will be introduced to
commonly used interview questions including behavioural questions. At the end of this module, you will be a prepared and
confident job seeker.
12. ACE THE INTERVIEW: 18 hours
This module is designed to prepare you for a face-to-face interview with employers.
Role playing, video interviews and practical feedback are used to enhance
your performance for your next "live" interview.
13. DREAM SHIFT - NEW BEGINNINGS: 3 hours
This session is designed to help you look inward, identify, and understand the impact your personal values have on your work,
motivation, discipline, expectations and life style habits. The purpose is to expose, challenge and modify values that may hinder
your return to work. You are encouraged to identify turning points in your work and personal lives and how your values may become
the foundation of transition and change.
14. CHALLENGES OF THE MULTI GENERATIONAL WORKPLACE: 3 hours
This session is designed to help the mature worker understand the distinct differences between each generation within the work place
and what values, expectations and work ethics are unique to each one. The purpose is to help you become aware of potential biases towards
different work styles experienced by different generations and how to best accept and adapt to those differences.
15. COMPUTER TRAINING: 48 hours
This module will focus on the Microsoft Office Suite including word processing using Word, spreadsheets using Excel and presentations
using PowerPoint. The format of the module will be hands on experiential and will be a combination of theory and practicum. Word and Excel
will be two days plus practicum and PowerPoint will be one day plus practicum. Establishing an email account using Google's Gmail as well as
internet usage and search techniques will also be covered.
16. FIRST AID AND CPR: 8 hours
This workshop presented by St. John's Ambulance is designed to provide CPR
and First Aid skills, both of which are beneficial at home and in the workplace.
A class "A" First Aid Certificate is given to you upon completion
of the course.
17. STRESS MANAGEMENT: 3 hours
Excess stress can have a negative impact on your ability to learn and your
ability to move forward. Identifying the stressors in your life is important.
Various relaxation techniques will be discussed.
18. ASSERTIVENESS and SELF-CONFIDENCE: 3 hours
Self- confidence and assertiveness are two skills that are crucial for success
in life. This session will give you an understanding of what assertiveness
and self-confidence each mean (in general and to you personally).
19. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: 3 hours
This session is designed to help you become aware of the "first impression" that
you are making. This skill is particularly useful in an interview situation.
Written communication techniques will also be explored with emphasis on the
content and presentation of documents relating to job search. Identifying and
defining your personal transferable skills is an important part of this session.
20. FINANCIAL PLANNING: 3 hours
This session is designed to help you understand the basic concepts of budgeting, taxation, investments, and
various government programs i.e., CPP, EI. You are also given information on how to manage your personal and
professional finances.
21 CREATING YOUR PERSONAL IMAGE: 3 hours
We have invited an expert on grooming/hair styling/accessorizing to work with
you in preparation for your job search. This is a fun day.
22. JOB FAIR: 6 hours
This day is designed to give you an opportunity to meet and interact with local employers. A brief presentation
will be given by each employer. In addition each individual will have an opportunity for a one on one time to meet
with and provide their resume to the representative.
23. EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES- HOW THEY WORK AND HOW I CAN BEST UTILIZE THEM: 3 hours
Employment agencies are a great resource and a very valuable tool to use in your job search. This session will explain
the process of how an employment agency can assist you in finding full-time, part-time or temporary work. The intricacies
of how your skills and occupational goals are matched with a perspective employer will be discussed so that you gain a clear
understanding of how this important support can help your re-entry into the labour force.
24. STRATEGIES FOR WINNING: 3 hours
This session is a stimulating blend of motivation and commonsense with an optimistic yet realistic look at your own power to
make changes in your life. It is coupled with practical suggestions to help set personal goals and prepare for your job interview
and then world of work..
25. JOB SHADOWING: 6 hours
This day is designed to give you an opportunity to find out what it is like to be in a specific work environment. Every effort will
be made to pair you with a field/employer that matches your current skills and interests. It will give you a realistic experience so
you can observe, gain knowledge and insight through your time at the chosen job place.
26. DE-MYSTIFYING ON LINE APPLICATIONS: 3 hours
A frequently used method of applying for a position is on-line applications. This module is designed to provide valuable information
for navigating your way through the process. Time saving procedures and expert advice will help make this way of applying much more
user friendly. Your frustration will decrease!!
27. PREDICTIVE INDEX- AN INSIGHTFUL TOOL: 3 hours
This module was introduced to give you an additional assessment tool, one that provides an objective analysis of individual strengths,
skills and opportunities. The results are presented in a professional manner by a trained PI analyst and will give you a clear and valuable
insight that will assist you in establishing your realistic and meaningful occupational goal.
28. WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE? DESIGNING YOUR PLAN: 3 hours
Having a structured plan to implement when your 8 week OWL PROJECT is completed is vital to your success. In this module you will develop a
plan to chart your post program activities which will be designed to keep you on track. You will design a customized chart (your computer module
will teach you how to do this!) and use it to record your activities. Following the completion of the OWL PROJECT follow-up sessions (2 hours each)
will be held where you can report on all aspects of your job search.
29. PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE: 3 hours
We have all heard at some point in our careers that we are expected to conduct
ourselves “in a professional manner”. But what does that actually
mean? What is professionalism? Does professionalism mean the same thing for
a lawyer as it does for a welder? How can I be sure that I am acting in a
professional manner at work? While it is hard to quantify professionalism
as an absolute value, this workshop is designed to give you the basic understanding
of what is expected by “professional behavior”, and some easy
guidelines and check lists you can use to help you maintain and develop your
own personal sense of professionalism.
30. MOVING ON WITHOUT THE HABIT: 3 hours
Scientists tell us it takes approximately 21 days to kick a habit. This module
will encourage you to
examine and identify your bad habit(s) that may be hindering your progress.
The goal is for you to make the decision and begin a plan to move forward without
the extra baggage and distractions of “bad habits”.
31. TELEPHONE TALENT-COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY WITH EMPLOYERS: 3 hours
This session examines the role of the telephone when looking for employment.
Topics include creating and delivering effective voicemail messages, asking
good questions, developing excellent listening skills, methods for busy people,
working with gatekeepers and all aspects of today’s telephone etiquette.
32. DRESS FOR SUCCESS (by appointment)
The OWL PROJECT is pleased to have partnered with Dress for Success. This volunteer
organization assists women by providing professional attire suitable for an
interview, in addition, a second outfit will be offered upon securing a job.
This is a well-received opportunity that is appreciated by all who have had
this complimentary experience.
33. WHAT OWL HAS MEANT TO ME: 3 hours
This is an opportunity for you to develop a perspective on what your personal
growth has been and how this program has helped in preparing for your return
to work. You will have the opportunity to define your experiences in written
format as well as participating in an end of Program interview with the facilitators.
34. CRITIQUE/COMMENTS: 2 hours
In an effort to improve our Program we are inviting your comments on each of
the modules covered over the past 8 weeks particularly as they apply to their
usefulness to you the job seeker. In addition, suggestions for improvements
or the inclusion of other modules are welcome.
Please note this syllabus is subject to change.
Updated February 03, 2012